Adnan Januzaj: January Loan Move Will Reignite the Midfielder's Development
With Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal reportedly willing to sanction a January loan move for young midfield prodigy Adnan Januzaj, this switch could see the 19-year-old reignite the blossoming development which saw him become such an important player last season.
David Wright, of the Express, claims that "Van Gaal is keen to loan out [the] winger."
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Wrights continues that "[Januzaj] has failed to nail down a regular position at Old Trafford this term despite a number of injuries to key players," and "Van Gaal is ready to let the 19-year-old go out on loan to earn some valuable first-team minutes."
Surprisingly, former manager David Moyes' new side Real Sociedad are linked with a move.
These may be speculative reports, but with just 409 Premier League minutes to his name so far this season, it would be fair to suggest that a switch could be on the cards for the talented teenager.
Interest in Januzaj would surely be high, with Wright suggesting that Serie A sides Napoli and Inter Milan are also keen on a loan, and, chosen carefully, such a move would benefit both player and club.
Obvious Talent
The clear benefit for a side prepared to offer Januzaj the requisite game time would be the acquisition of a high-potential, sporadically brilliant midfielder.
Last season's performances perfectly outlined his burgeoning powers.
Sir Alex Ferguson, before giving the ultimate recognition to Januzaj by naming the midfielder on the team-sheet for his final game in charge of the club before retirement—a remarkable 5-5 draw with West Bromwich Albion—described him as "a beautifully balanced player."
Ferguson continued to tell club magazine Inside United (h/t ManUtd.com) that: "He's only 18 and still to grow into his frame. But he has good balance, good acceleration and he's a very good technical player."
Moyes continued to show the club's faith in Januzaj by giving him 27 appearances in the league, which saw the midfielder score four goals and make three assists.
Arguably his finest performance came in last October's 2-1 away victory over Sunderland, which saw him score both of United's goals and Moyes describe him as "a special player," per The Independent.
Any potential loan club would be receiving a player capable of, at such an young age, turning a game on its head, and in particular the comparatively languid styles of La Liga and Serie A would see Januzaj's raw flair excel.
However, the form that made him so invaluable last season has been hampered by Van Gaal's fevered summer transfer business.
A Cluttered Midfield
For all of their continued defensive deficiencies, United's pre-season spending saw them considerably strengthen their midfield and attacking ranks.
Ander Herrera, Daley Blind and Radamel Falcao joined to bolster the ranks from the base of the midfield to the tip of the attack, and United now stand well stocked when it comes to offensive options.
Perhaps Januzaj's most direct competition came in the form of British record signing Angel Di Maria, who, joining from Real Madrid, demands a place in Van Gaal's starting line-up by virtue of his sheer footballing prowess; in his 11 league appearances so far, Di Maria has scored three and assisted six.
Furthermore, Di Maria is by far United's most all-round creative player, with 2.8 key passes on average per game so far in the Premier League—this is double second-placed Juan Mata's output.
Mata, however, stands as another player blocking Januzaj's path to the first team, and in particular his contribution to United's recent 3-0 victory over Liverpool underlines his importance.
Under Van Gaal, Mata is a revitalised figure, and the manager has shown this quality, too, in sparking a revival in the formerly maligned Marouane Fellaini.
With even previously marginalised figures standing in the way, how much chance does Januzaj have?
While consistent substitute appearances—Januzaj has featured six times from the bench this season—will aid the player's development, this will do little to prepare him for the rigours of regular football.
With the likes of Di Maria, Herrera and the resurgent Fellaini and Mata vying for roles in Van Gaal's midfield, Januzaj's role has been understandably minimised, and a spell away could see the player continue his development uninhibited by such myriad talent.
Gain for Player and Club
As obvious as the profits for the potential loan club are, Januzaj joining the likes of Real Sociedad or Napoli would vastly benefit United and their young midfielder, too.
United would see their player likely develop in a half season which could offer 20 to 30 full appearances, depending on the club's European and domestic fortunes.
This would offer Van Gaal the chance to monitor his future prospect, while continuing his charge for the Premier League title—in what can be described as a transition season, the manager is wise to focus purely on results despite his insistence, per Sky Sports, that the side need to "improve our playing style."
With United not competing in Europe this season, there is less opportunity for fringe players such as Januzaj.
Therefore, the move would benefit the player by, naturally, gifting him regular, invaluable game time.
Januzaj can experience the demands of consistent first-team football in a competitive league—alongside Sociedad, Napoli and Inter, the likes of Ajax would be an ideal destination for the midfielder.
The result would likely see Januzaj return to United next season a significantly improved player.
With so little game time so far this season at Old Trafford, Manchester United midfielder Adnan Januzaj leaving the club on a temporary loan in January would likely see him return for the following season a stronger, more suitable option for Louis Van Gaal's first team.
Statistics via WhoScored.com.
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